Pep Guardiola wades into debate to tip Man City great for future role

Pep Guardiola has tipped Ilkay Gundogan to make a great manager as the Manchester City great looks to lead his national team to major success on home turf.

Gundogan skippered the Blues to an incredible Treble in 2023, topping off his seven-year career at the Etihad by captaining them to their first-ever Champions League triumph in Turkey - the country where his parents were born. After a year at Barcelona, the 33-year-old is now aiming to deliver the European Championship for Germany in their own grounds.

The City favourite has had his critics during his time with the national team and there are still prominent voices in the German media, such as Lothar Matthaus, who are not convinced he should even be in the team. However, as far as Guardiola is concerned there have been few players that he has come across in his glittering career that have been smarter than Gundogan.

ALSO READ: Phil Foden seven-word reply is perfect response to Cesc Fabregas criticism

ALSO READ: Man City chief offers subtle warning to Sir Jim Ratcliffe over Man United's Omar Berrada poaching

"İlkay didn't talk much, but when he did, everyone listened, including me as manager," he told Stern magazine. "He was clear and straightforward. He is a very smart player, one of the smartest I have ever coached. He was a key to our success.

"It was a pleasure to talk to İlkay about tactics. He sees the big picture and he sees the details. The cells that make up a football game. I am convinced that he will become a great coach one day."

Gundogan confirmed in May that he is hoping to return to the Etihad next season to say a proper farewell to fans, having left on a free transfer in 2023. City supporters did not know that he had played his last game for the club until the summer, when his departure for Barcelona was announced.